Maki Restaurant at Moda Mall offers a dining experience that goes beyond expectations, blending Japanese culinary traditions with imaginative twists. Kristian Harrison checked it out and was left amazed by its magical creations.
I already knew I was in for a treat as soon as I was greeted by the modern décor and friendly staff at Maki. Eager to tuck into the plethora of options on the menu, I started with the Chef Chopped Salad. The medley of tuna, salmon, avocado, tobiko and crispy tempura was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate. The peanut wasabi dressing brought a gentle heat, perfectly balancing the richness of the seafood with the peppery notes of rocket. It was the kind of dish that instantly awakened my appetite.
Next, the team placed the Fashion Blog Sashimi before me, a plate as beautiful as it was intriguing. The silky salmon was topped with a bold combination of mango salsa and balsamic glaze, its sweetness offset by the gentle spice of sriracha.
From there, I moved on to the Thea Nigiri Sushi, which had an air of elegance. Each piece was a delicate balance of buttery salmon, nutty brown rice and creamy avocado, tied together with unagi and a light drizzle of olive oil. The freshness of the cress garnish added a subtle crunch, creating a satisfying bite that felt comforting and refined.
Then came one of the true highlights, the Spicy Tuna Aburi Sushi. Watching the flame-torched tuna arrive was an experience in itself, and the dish lived up to the anticipation. The smoky, melt-in-the-mouth fish paired beautifully with the crispy filo and spicy sauce, creating a dynamic that lingered long after the last bite.
The Kaian Maki was a nice surprise when it made its way to the table. Each roll hit you with the earthy taste of shisho leaves, coupled with creamy avocado and pops of tobiko and the richness of black truffle pearls. The subtle zing of yuzu flakes gave the dish a bright, citrusy finish that kept it light despite its decadent elements.
The menu’s creativity shone again with the Shiitake Angus Burger Maki, a playful and satisfying fusion of tender Angus beef and fresh vegetables. Topped with pepper mushroom sauce and complemented by crispy sweet potato and beetroot, it was an unexpected delight that demonstrated Maki’s innovative approach to sushi.
To round off the occasion, the Black Angus Tenderloin Beef arrived, cooked to perfection and served with a fresh vegetable salad. The teriyaki glaze added a rich sweetness that complemented the meat’s natural depth of flavour. As more of a meat lover than a seafood aficionado, this was one of my favourites of the day!
Of course, no meal is complete without being washed down by a hearty beverage, and the Electric Lemonade was a refreshing companion, its zesty blend of lemon and blue curacao cutting through the richness of each dish.
Leaving thoroughly satisfied, Maki’s ability to reinvent Japanese cuisine with such flair and precision makes it a standout destination for those looking to be surprised and delighted with every bite. I can’t wait to return!
